Solar Eclipse darkening our area August 21st

posted by Mason Black -
Aug 7, 2017

Our first full Solar Eclipse in nearly 100 years will be happening August 21st which will be a Monday. The best location to see the total 100% eclipse will be along the central portion of the US, whereas here in Alabama we will see about 90-94% of the sun blocked

This link from VOXwill help you figure out the perfect time time you need to be staring up at the sun. While the perfect time to see the eclipse in the Auburn-Opelika area will be 1:36pm CST on August 21st, Auburn will only see 91.5% of the sun blocked while Opelika will see 92.1% blocked. Even going to the Valley-Lanett area will only increase the the blockage by .5% at the same time of 1:36pm CST. If you wanna see a 100% solar eclipse you would need to be in the Chattanooga area or you can go to Atlanta for a 97% eclipse.

When it comes to eye protection NASA approved eye wear is a must. Regular sunglasses just wont cut it. The glasses are fairly inexpensive but it is vital you have them to protect your eyes. Staring at a solar eclipse without eye protection could be like having your eyes sunburned or worse; so not something to play around with. A welder's Mask with a #14 tint would also work. Here are the brands that NASA approves: American Paper Optics, Baader Planetarium (AstroSolar Silver/Gold film only), Rainbow Symphony, Thousand Oaks Optical, and TSE 17.